2022 Munich Migration and Integration Service-Learning Study-Abroad

"Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it" - George Santayana Reflecting on our experiences, I keep coming back to this quote. I look back on our afternoon walking through the  National Socialist Documentation Center and seeing the history behind the movement that created one of the biggest crimes against humanity in our history, and I just keep asking myself if today's society has actually learned from it? The parallels between some recent events and rhetoric seen globally and of back then are evident. Surely some have had similar accounts of deja vu. Surely some have learned from history, and hopefully those will continue to stand up so that history does not repeat itself.  - This is a picture on display at the National Socialist Documentation Center. The caption beside it states: " 'A little man asks for large gifts. His motto: I have millions behind me', Cover of the 'Workers Illustrated Newspaper' by John Heartfield...

After being in Germany for a couple of days and working with Muncher Fluchtlingsrat, I have realized that most of issues the NGOs face is paperwork. Policies are constantly changing for asylum seekers, and social workers are simply the messengers that are drowning in the ever-changing bureaucracy. People travel here from all over the world. The refugees spend their last dimes, put all of their faith in people who may not be deserving, only to get to a country where they are constantly wondering if they will be sent back to a place that is no longer a viable option. - I took this picture on my walk to Muncher Fluchtlingsrat's office. It is located close to the central metro station. - While observing the inner-office workings of Muncher Fluchtlingsrat, I saw many concerned people come in searching for answers and help, and the workers at Fluchtlingsrat would instantly try and answer their questions or provide them with the resources they need. Not only that, but they wo...

By Crystal Rawls Since arriving back in the states, I have had quite a bit of time to reflect on the time that I spent in Germany. Our study abroad trip to Germany has taught me so much about the current refugee crisis and what refugees and asylum seekers have to go through each day just to survive. To meet and talk to a lot of these asylum seekers and to learn and hear their stories gave me a greater appreciation of my own life and a deeper understanding of how these individuals are feeling about their current situation. It was also insightful to shadow the social workers who have to encounter the refugee crisis every day as apart of their profession. I believe that the best part of the trip was learning from my fellow peers and taking the time to hear different opinions and views about the current situation that is taking place. Overall, this trip has been once in a lifetime. I learned so much not only about Germany, but also about myself and this is an experience that I wil...

By Eva Videla As I continue my travels, I can see different migration situations. The conversations about the topic can be sensitive and hostile in some cases. -The don't want to work or -they pretend to be Syrian to get more help. But at the end we need to respect their opinions as we don't know the full story. Back in Germany, I had the pleasure to meet great individuals whom are working hard to make Germany their home. However, I don't think that is the full story. We cannot over generalize, good or bad. For example, here in Italy I can feel a more negative stance about the issue. However, in other countries like the Netherlands or Belgium had a different opinion about it.

Pictured: artwork of a boy near Bellevue di Monaco. A bicycle is leaning against it. By Lisa Valleroy-Djang München--jeden Tag verlaufen, niemals verloren. Munich--every day lost (Eva can confirm my inability to orient myself in space), but never irretrievably lost. That is the Munich that I love and know. But I came to Germany of my own free will, with the knowledge that if I didn't like it (or if Meagan kicked me out of the hotel room for snoring too loud) I could always go back home. For so many, this is not an option. "Heimat"--an old German word that doesn't exactly have an English equivalent. It offers a positive sense of home, where there is intimacy and comfort. Although the Nazis appropriated this term in order to spur xenophobia, I think the meaning of "Heimat" can overcome fascist propaganda.  The feeling of Heimat comes from community, not from nationalism. The NGO I was so lucky to spend time with, Bellevue di Monaco , may not be ...